Saori. Zeus. Hades. Poseidon.
In truth, every single person involved in this Holy War had their own hidden agendas. Everyone knew what the others were thinking, or at least what they intended to do. Even if they did not know the full picture, they could make an educated guess.
This final Holy War!
If Riku did not intervene, it would not so much be a Holy War between Saori, Hades, and Poseidon as it would be a Holy War between Zeus and those two. Zeus needed to fully reclaim the fragmented God King Authority.
As for Hades and Poseidon, when had they ever not hoped to use this opportunity to seize even more?
It was a game. Originally, there were three players. However, compared to Zeus, who held a massive advantage, Hades and Poseidon could only choose to go all-in. And even with an all-in bet, their final chances of victory were incredibly slim.
But now? Saori had entered the fray, joining the game as the fourth player.
Similarly, no one took Saori seriously. In essence, she was still a pawn. But the Holy War was still to be initiated by Saori. As long as the truth was not exposed and they had more time, no one would refuse; they would simply use the time to prepare more thoroughly.
"Tsk, tsk!" Riku clicked his tongue, remarking with a hint of emotion, "As expected, I really do not understand these things. I do not quite get these conspiracies and schemes. Just give me a bit of time, and as my accumulation grows... it is just..."
He understood Saori's thoughts now. But?
"Mr. Riku, are you wondering how Hades and Poseidon could possibly have the qualifications to achieve victory in this Holy War?" Sanzang asked gently.
"Exactly!" Riku nodded, looking puzzled. "On Saori's side, with me backing her, no matter what happens... even if things fall apart... as long as we get our hands on the 108 Heavenly and Earthly Demon Stars, we can just take the Sanctuary and retreat. We can go back to the Longhuang Universe to develop for a while and then fight our way back."
"As for Saori's mother, Metis..."
"Hmph!" Riku's lips curled into a confident smirk. "I cannot find Zeus's location, but as long as Hades falls in battle, Zeus will definitely show up. Even if Saori does not succeed, I am confident I can bring Metis back."
"However..."
"If we still fail despite all this, I might as well go home and retire. We are calculating against those who are unaware, plotting from the shadows against those in the light, and we have more trump cards. How could we possibly lose?" Riku shifted his tone, his confidence becoming even more pronounced.
It was ridiculous! If he lost even under these circumstances, he might as well go home and farm sweet potatoes. What would be the point of playing then?
"Hehehe..." Listening to Riku's words, Saori could not help but cover her mouth and let out a soft giggle. His overflowing confidence allowed her to gradually relax.
Sanzang wore a faint smile and said softly, "Miss Saori, Mr. Riku is so confident. In this poor monk's view, you can also begin your next steps."
"Yes!" Saori nodded at Sanzang's words, her expression turning serious.
"Saori, what do you plan to do?" Riku asked curiously.
He really had not paid much attention to how Saori was planning the specifics.
"Ehe~"
Right then, upon hearing that familiar sound, Riku suddenly felt a sharp pain in his trigeminal nerve. It was that voice again, that smile again. It was a massive headache. Every time that sound appeared, his past self felt like asking: 'Can the "riddlers" just go die already?'
"Alice!" Riku looked at Alice helplessly. "Can you not laugh like that? I have a serious psychological issue with it."
"Hehehe~" Alice laughed adorably. She said giggling, "Darling, did you not come back? I brought those three children to see how things are going."
Following Alice's words, Utaha Kasumigaoka, Eriri, and Megumi Kato appeared simultaneously.
"Mr. Riku!"
"Miss Saori!"
"Master Sanzang!"
The three girls greeted them politely.
Utaha Kasumigaoka focused most of her attention on Saori and Sanzang. She knew their identities; Lady Alice had told them before they arrived.
One of them was the Goddess of War, Victory, and Wisdom from Greek mythology: Athena. The other was the protagonist who traveled over one hundred thousand miles and endured eighty-one tribulations: Xuanzang Sanzang.
As for Eriri, she looked around curiously, seemingly thinking about something.
Megumi Kato just stood there quietly. She scanned the surroundings before fixing her gaze on Riku.
This man... was the master of everything!
"Hmm..." Riku looked at the three girls. He did not care too much, or rather, he just wore a smile.
He was a "carnivore." However, he was no longer the type to lose himself in a frenzy just because a "waifu" appeared before his eyes. The accumulation of time had also brought an improvement in his temperament.
"Saori."
"Riku?"
"Saori, do you not think Utaha is quite suitable?"
"We will know once we try."
"True enough."
Riku and Saori seemed to be speaking in riddles.
Utaha Kasumigaoka subconsciously stood tall, her "big white rabbits" even bouncing slightly, causing Eriri to grit her teeth in envy from the side.
"Utaha, do you want to give it a try?" Riku raised a hand, a few specks of flowing light dancing on his fingertips as he asked with a smile.
"Mr. Riku, I am willing!" Utaha Kasumigaoka took a deep breath and nodded seriously.
Her personality was not one for hesitation; she was extremely decisive. Once she made a choice, she would follow it to the end without wavering.
"Very good." Riku nodded in approval, then continued, "What about Eriri and Megumi?"